'American Idol' (2002-present)

'American Idol' (2002-present)

FOX

It started as a summer series with some good advance buzz but a format not seen on TV in a long time: Would people tune in to see aspiring singers compete for a record contract? By the time 20 million people watched Kelly Clarkson win the first season, the answer was in. "Idol" has been a giant hit ever since.

It started as a summer series with some good advance buzz but a format not seen on TV in a long time: Would people tune in to see aspiring singers compete for a record contract? By the time 20 million people watched Kelly Clarkson win the first season, the answer was in. "Idol" has been a giant hit ever since. (FOX)

It started as a summer series with some good advance buzz but a format not seen on TV in a long time: Would people tune in to see aspiring singers compete for a record contract? By the time 20 million people watched Kelly Clarkson win the first season, the answer was in. "Idol" has been a giant hit ever since.